Disneyland celebrates NBA champion Lakers

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Jun 18, 2009 | Updated: Oct 19, 2014 - 9:25:27 AM

As the NBA finals ended with the Los Angeles Lakers beating the Orlando Magic four games to one, so ended a friendly wager between the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts. During the finals, both castles were lit with their respective team's colors throughout the series. With Disneyland's support behind the Lakers, Finals MVP Kobe Bryant was honored (on behalf of his team) with a victory parade down Main Street U.S.A. in the California theme park.

In addition to the victory parade, two lucky Laker fans in attendance were treated to a ride on the Matterhorn Bobsleds with Kobe Bryant himself. "They just picked us out of the crowd and said, 'Do you want to ride the Matterhorn with Kobe?' I'm shaking, this is so exciting," David Guerrero said as his four year old son Jonathan jumped up and down. "In Southern California, being a Disney fan and a Lakers fan, it just goes together and that's why we wanted to be here today." In celebrating the Lakers' championship with both a parade and a special ride on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Disneyland was able to provide an unexpected addition to their "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion.